That Windy Final Day

This edition of the IFCA Grand Prix Croatia has been magical for many reasons. Bol is famous for its relaxing cozy island vibes, despite the very hot temperatures and light wind days at the beginning of the event, we still managed to race on the 3 remaining days.

The 2018 IFCA Grand Prix Croatia a joint venture with the 2018 IFCA Junior, Youth and Masters European Championships took place in Bol, Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia from 13th of Aug through the 18th . From the 5 days, there were 3 competition days in light - at first - to medium wind conditions on the final racing day. A total of 3 slalom eliminations were completed for the Juniors, Youths, Men and the Masters divisions, with 1 discard given. The Women were racing in a full fleet slalom format and managed to accomplish 5 races and received 2 discard.

Damien Arnoux from France earns himself a double IFCA Title this season, Youth Slalom World Champion and Youth Slalom European Champion. Damien was always close and or the podium during the past years in IFCA's Youth division slalom events. He certainly knew he had what it takes to win. Finally in 2018 his dreams came through - with his all new Simmer Style equipment set up and his confident approach – during this season. Will there be a third title ? Lets find out at the next IFCA Slalom Worlds this September.

2018 IFCA Grand Master European Champion Marco Begalli; the multiple IFCA Slalom Champion says goodbye after the many years spent on the IFCA Slalom scene. He is known as true Italian athlete, powerful, smart, fast and yes sometimes tricky around the marks. Marco also has been a big support for the younger generation of up and coming Italian slalom windsurfers including Francesco Scagliola the 2018 IFCA Slalom Youth Vice European Champion.

This edition of the IFCA Grand Prix Croatia has been magical for many reasons. Bol is famous for its relaxing cozy island vibes, despite the very hot temperatures and light wind days at the beginning of the event, we still managed to race on the 3 remaining days. On IFCA events the races can only start from 11 knots and up - all over the course area which is the minimum for slalom racing according to the Class its Slalom Championship Rules. And with thermal winds usually filling in after 13:00 it was often very tricky to get the races started, and not to forget that the island was undergoing its summer high season peek of the year with cruising tourist boats every now and then. Still we manage to race 3 full eliminations of slalom racing with thanks to Zoo Staion Bol and its crew.